Apparatus for automatically controlling the temperature of liquids



Feb. 2,1960 m P. STELLA DI GlULlO 2,923,478

APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUIDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 19, 1958 Fb. 2, 1 960 P. STELLA D] GlULlO 2,923,478 APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUIDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 19, 1958 P. STELLA DI GIULIO Feb. 2, 1960 APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUIDS 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 19, 1958 United States PatenfC ce v 19234 '-PatentecIFeb.2,'196Q.=

her 19 enclosed by a sleeve 20 screwed to the bottom of the block 9. The lower valve seat 19 is capable of axial 2,923,473 displacement within the sleeve 20 against the action of APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATKZALLY CONTROL- LING THE TEMPERATURE OF LIQUIDS Pietro Stella di Giulio, Novara, Italy Application August 19, 1958, Serial No. 755,990 Claims priority, application Switzerland October 4, 1957 3 Claims. (Cl. 236-12) This'invention relates to an apparatus for automatically controlling the temperature of the mixture of two liquids at difierent temperatures and pressures, of the type comprising a liquid expansion thermostat and a valve operated by the thermostat adapted to simultaneously control the supply conduits for both liquids.

The improvedtemperature controlling apparatus has the main characteristic feature that-the thermostat enclosed by a cylindrical chamber in which the two liquids a spring 21 bearing at its lower end on the plug 22 screwed to the bottom of the sleeve '20. A spring 23 bears on theplug 22, the spring 23 being arranged coaxially with the spring 21 and acting on the valve 17. The plug 22 has holes 25 bored therethrough for the flow of hot liquid from the conduit 4 towards the mixing chamber when the valve 17 is lifted from its lower seat 19.

The lower valve seat 19 and supporting sleeve 20 are sealed against each other by an annular packing 26.

The thermostat in the mixingchamber comprises a top head portion 27 and a lower head portion 28 substantially of disc shape, cal extensions 27a,

sion of the thermostat rectilinear.

29 of corrugated sheet metal and a helical coil 30, one

end of which is attached to the lower head portion 28 and are mixed, is provided with two head portions directly acting without any interposed resilient member on the valve and an adjusting member, respectively, serving to predetermine and read the temperature of the mixture by means of a pointer movable over a graduated dial.

The invention shall be described accompanying drawings which show by way of a non limiting example an embodiment thereof. 7

Fig. l is an axial sectional view of the'apparatus.

Fig. 2 is a side view and part sectional view on line II-II of Fig. 1 and 7 Figs. 3-6 are sectional views on line III-III, IVIV, V V, VI-VI, respectively, of Figure 1.

The apparatus comprises a lower body 1 having bored therein two diametrically opposed conduits 2 delivering the mixture, and further two diametrically opposed conduits 3, 4 orthogonal to the former for supplyingthe cold and hot liquid, respectively.

The casing 1 is formed with a top tubular extension 1a having extending therefrom four flaps 1b radially directed outwardly for attachment by means of screws 6 to the top casing 5 of the apparatus which is formed with a tubular extension 5a received by the tubular portion 1a a and radial extensions attachment screws 6.

The two casings are tightly sealed against each other 512 engaging the above mentioned by an annular packing 7.

A gap 8 between the tubular portions 1a and 5a of both casings connects at one end with the mixture delivery conduits 2 and at its other end through radial bores 16 in the tubular extension with the mixing chamber confined within the said extension.

The extension 5a has screwed to its lower end a cylindrical block 9 sealing by means of annular packings against corresponding internal cylindrical seatings in the lower body 1.

An annular chamber 10 is provided between theblock 9 and body 1 and connects at one end with the cold liquid supply conduit 3 (Fig. 6) and at its other end with the mixing chamber through radial holes 11, a central chamber 12 and a pair of vertical slits 14 in the block 9.

A'disc valve 17 is enclosed by the block 9 and is formed with the lower extension 17a capable of telescopic dis with reference to the I two seats, namely a stationary top seat formed by an 1 annular edge 18 around the chamber 12 in block 9 and a lower seat formed by the annular edge on a tubular mem connects with the inside of the bellows 29 through a ho-le38. A liquid adapted to expand by the action of heat is filled into the bellows and coil, the said liquid being fed and tightly enclosed by a hole bored in the middle of the head portion 27 and closed by a screw-plug 35.

The lower head portion 28 and tophead portion 27 have holes 41, 40 boredtherethrough for the flow of liquid towards the delivery conduits, the lower head portion 28 being moreover provided. with a pair of lower wings 28b extending through slits 14 in the block 9 andresting on the valve 17 in order to control displacement thereof by etfect of expansion of the thermostat on variation of the temperature of the mixture within the mixing chamber.

The top head portion 27 bears on a cylindrical member 31 attached to an operating key 32 and engaging through a helical coupling 33 a corresponding seat in the top cas-.

ing 5. A rotation of the key by effect of the said helical coupling axially displaces the cylindrical member 31,

hence the whole thermostat unit by acting through the lower wings 28b on the valve 17.

The cylindrical member 31 is provided with an annular seal packing 34 interposed between the mixing'chamber and helical seat 33.

The lower casing 1 is adapted to be incorporated by the wall or structure supporting the temperature control apparatus in which it is hidden from view,

ing the attachment screws 6.

the thermostat and is frontally provided with a graduation not visible on the drawing cooperating with a pointer 32a on the key. i

The apparatus operates as follows:

On upward displacement of th valve 17, the valve closes the top seat 18 preventing cold liquid flow from the supply conduits 3 towards the mixing chamber and delivery conduits 2, the flow of hot liquid being then possible from the supply conduit 4 through holes 25 and the lower seat chamber, thence to the j 19 for the valve to the mixing delivery conduit 2.

On downward displacement of the valve 17 the lower valve seat 19 closes, thereby intercepting the hot liquid P flow, the top seat 18 being opened and allowing cold "liquid flow from the supply conduit 3-to the delivery conduits 2 through the annular chamber 10, radial holes 11, central chamber 12, slits 14 andmixing chamber.

In intermediate positions of the valve 17 hot and ,coldliquid flow simultaneously in proportions. corre-f sponding"to'-the' valveposition which, as mentioned formed with corresponding cylindri- 28a capable of telescopic displace-' ment within each other and adapted to keep axial expanj The .said cylindrical extensions have arranged around them a flexible bellows.

the outer portion of the casing 5 being enclosed by a casing 36 concealabove, is previously setas desired by rotating the adjusting key 32 and is maintained in its proper position 'forsupply of the mixed liquid at a predetermined temperature throughthe automaticlaction ofrthethermostat in; dependently of variations in temperature andpressureof thetwoliquids. n I :7 The head portions 27, 28 of the thermostat, having holes bored therethroughifor the flow of liquid to the mixing chamber, perform the double function of centering and guiding the thermostatand improving a thorough mixture of the liquid streams to be mixed; The provision or the annular'seal packing 34 interposed between the top of the mixingchamber and helical seat 33 in the adjusting key seals thejsaid helical seat 7 against contactwith the liquid, thereby making possible lubrication of the said seat while, avoiding calcareous V deposits and excessive play arisin'g between the screw and nut, thereby improving the life of the component parts.

- By u'n'screwing'the screws 6 it ispossible to fully re move together with the casing the internal components of the apparatus for'inspection and upkeep purposes.

disc-shaped thereby defining therebetween a.

substantially cylindrical chamber, a tubular member slidable in said sleeve, sealefd against it and projecting therefrom towards said disc-shaped wall, the inner diamfining the uppermostjposition of said member with respect to saidsleeve, a plug closing the lower'end of said sleeve,'said plug having holes therein connecting the inside of the sleeve with the inner hollow ofsaid body .fjnear the bottom of the latter, said inner hollow communicating with said conduit designe'd to-be connected to the duct supplying the hot liquid,; a tubular guide at the center of said plug projecting within said sleeve and said tubular member a disc-shaped valve arranged bea tween said annular edgeand the upper end of said 'tubular'member in said cylindrical chamber, a stern forjsaid.

-The expansible liquid isfilled into the thermostatv with a packing for the purpose of 'a tight seal; V The lowerivalve v seat 19 is resiliently yieldable 1to; afiord additional downward'displacements of the valve 17, as a safety against objectionable'overpressures? as; might be set "up within the'thermostat when the latte'rp" v tending to expand beyond, its positionclosing the seat 19 5 and giving access to the hot liquid shouldbe uncapable of further expansion owingto leakage anaemia- 1,

"1. Apparatus ior dete'rmining and automatically controlling the' temperature-of a mixture of two liquids at different temperatures and pressures, comprising a cylin-' dricalmain body open at one end having bored therein quickly and safely through the plug which is-provided V, 25

on the said seat or other reasons. In this case the springf a first spring interposed between said valve. and said pulg'for constantly urging thelvalve against said annuvalve'slidable in' said tubular guide fast with said, plug,

lar edge and intercept the flow of cold water towards said cylindrical chamber, asecond springfinterposed between" said tubular member and said plu g to allow yielding oi, the, latter as the ;valve bears, on the upper end pf, said i member andj thereby intercepts the 'flow of hot erj;

towards said cylindrical chamber; jalower head of disc-Q shape slidablefjwithin said tubular extensionon the mp; casing/closing the body of the apparatus; a pair of,

lower extensions lion said head projecting through H said lateral'openings provided in said] disc-shapedfl wall and bearing upon the {valve side facing said "annular edge, 3'5 said extensions being of a length such -thatsaid head? portion is spaced'froni saiddisc-shapedfwall evenwhen the valve bears on the upper end of said tubular rncmher," a cylindrical member axially slidable in-a. central ,t

7 here in said top casing closingthe body of the apparatus near its other end two pairs of diametrically opposed conduits, the conduits of one pair being designed to be: connected to ducts supplying to the apparatus coldand hotliquid, respectively, the conduits of the'other pair being designed'to be connected to ducts delivering liquid from the apparatus, a top casing closing said body, means arid coupled thereto by a helical coupling, anoperating j key. fast withsaid cylindrical member and projecting outr wardly from saidtop casing for rotatingsaid cylindrical member anddispla'c'ing' it axially of the' bodyp a' pushji memberwithin saidtubular extensionron said top cas'ing,

for connecting said top casing to said] body, a'tubulan extension for said top casing projecting within said body laterally spaced therefrom, thereby defining'an annular gap, said gap communicating with the conduits-of said other pair, a first inner cylindrical seating'lin said body i situated above the conduits of said pairs, said seating being of a diameter-larger than said extension on the top casing, a second inner cylindrical seating in said body situated'infront of said conduits ot a diameter smaller than said extension on said'top casing, a" cylindrical block secured to the lower end of said extension,

: said block'having an upper cup-shaped part sealed against 'said first cylindrical seating andof an inner-diameter equalling the inner diameter of said tubular extension,

a, lower cup-shaped part extending through said second freely interposed between saidcylindrical member and said lowerhead portionfor adjusting theposition of said valve, a device responsive to? the] temperature within the said tubular-extension 'on the top casing for correcting the position of; the valve and, consequently the tempera ture ofthe liquid deliveredby the apparatus, andmeansj for connecting the-inside of said tubular extensionwith j,

' said annular gap and said, lateral through openings pro vided in said'disc-shaped wall of said cylindrical block ;.secured to the lower end of said tubular extension von said top casing, closing the main body of the apparatus in claim ,1, wherein said 2, Apparatusfas set forth M push member freely interposed between said cylindrical member -fast withsaid key ands-aid lower head, portion comprises a hollow rod closed at its lower end by abottom wall and at its upper end by-a plug and carry inner cylindrical seating sealed against the latter and projectingtherefrom upwardly and downwardly, whereby an annular chamber is formed, said chamber being con nected-jwith thetconduit designed to be coimected'to aduct supplying cold water, and a disc-shaped thick wall t separating'said upper and'lower cup-shaped parts, said ing 1 at itsupper end a fiange having a 'trunco conical portion and a peripheral radial portion of an outer diameter substantially equalling the inner diameter of said tubular extension on said top casing, therebybeing axially disc-shaped wall having provided therein a cylindrical;

tion, a radial bore connecting said recess with said annular chamber and a pair of lateral through openings, syman annular edge projecting frorn'said wall and surrounding said recess, ,a-sleeve having an annular inner; flange slidableyin it, rows of bores being providedfln said 'trunco' conical part of Ithe flangeand in said extension at the'region of the latter facing said trunco-conical poition ofsaid flange for connecting saidannular gap with the part of the inside'of said, tubular extension situated below said flange on said push-member, said lower head recess communicating" with said lower cup-shaped pormetrically arranged with respect tosaidarecess and finally 1 portion'having a 'row of peripheral bores provided therein 1 for connecting'the inside of said tubular extension situif ated below said flange; on theypush-member with the? space below, said lower-head .portion and, consequently;

'fwith the cylindrical chamber in which said valvein re s? n? ai w r ham pa embr c s! .t qmi? arranged; 1

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said device responsive to the temperature inside said tubular extension on said top casing comprises a bellows filled with a liquid expansible under the action of heat and surrounding said hollow rod of the push member interposed between said cylindrical member fast with said key and said lower head portion and tightly secured to the flange on said push member and to said lower head, and a helical coil situated inside the tubular extension on the top casing and surrounding said casing, said coil being closed at one end and connected at its other end with the inside of said bellows, said hollow rod having a radial core in its wall at a point near its end closed by the plug for connecting it with the inside of the bellows, a disc-shaped closure being inserted inside said hollow rod immediately below said radial bore to avoid filling said hollow rod with said expansible liquid,

6 a said lower head portion having a central tubular projection slipped over the lower part of said hollow rod and telescopically slidable over the latter in order to secure constant alignment between said lower head and said flange on said push member during operation of the apparatus.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,373,634 Powers Apr. 5, 1921 1,611,650 Lawler Dec. 21, 1926 2,101,735 Fonseca Dec. 7, 1937 2,708,071 Burhop May 10, 1955 2,828,075 Panza Mar. 25, 1958 2,830,765 Beller Apr. 15, 1958 

